Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about the Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe I’m about to share with you. Every time I bake it, the warm aroma of cinnamon mingled with freshly baked apples fills my kitchen—and it simply feels like a cozy hug in cake form. Whether it’s a casual afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this cake is that perfect blend of soft, moist, and warmly spiced that everyone loves.

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about simplicity meeting deliciousness. I love how the recipe uses everyday ingredients, yet yields a cake that tastes so special. Plus, it’s versatile enough for tweaking to your taste and easy to make ahead, which is perfect for those busy days when you want something homemade without fuss.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe plays a part in creating the texture and flavor that make it such a crowd-pleaser. I usually reach for a crunchy red apple variety to get that lovely balance of sweetness and a bit of tartness, but feel free to experiment with what you love. Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients and cool little tips for each one.

• Plain flour (All-purpose flour): The base of the cake; using plain flour gives a tender crumb without being too dense.
• Baking powder & Baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise beautifully without any bitterness.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
• Caster sugar (or granulated sugar): Sweetness with a finer texture so it dissolves evenly in the batter.
• Apple: Peeled and chopped, it adds moisture and natural sweetness—plus that wonderful fruit texture.
• Eggs: Binding everything together and adding richness.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the warm spices and adds complexity.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist for days—feel free to swap for any light, flavorless oil you like.
• Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and moisture while making the crumb nice and tender.
• Cinnamon topping (sugar, cinnamon, butter): This sprinkle melts into a sweet, spiced crust on top that’s irresistible.
• Sugar glaze (icing sugar and milk): Adds a delicate, sweet finish that brings everything together with a little shine.

Make It Your Way

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is like a blank canvas for fun customizations. I like to occasionally toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for texture, but you could also swap the vanilla extract for almond or even add a handful of raisins. It’s your cake—feel free to make it your own!

• Nutty Upgrade: Adding toasted walnuts gives a lovely crunch that I personally really enjoy.
• Spice Boost: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or mixed spice if you want to amp up the festive vibes.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace yogurt with a plant-based alternative and use coconut oil for a dairy-free version that still stays moist.
• Apple Variety: I’ve found Granny Smith gives a tangier bite, while Fuji adds sweetness—choose what you like.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (or 350°F standard). I like to line an 8-inch round cake pan with baking paper to make sure the cake comes out cleanly—greasing the pan first really helps the paper stick and stay put during baking, which saves some stress later on.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Apples

In a large bowl, whisk together your plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Then fold in your peeled, chopped apple pieces gently so they’re well-coated with the flour mix—this prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt together until just combined. There’s no need for vigorous whisking—just enough to break up the yolks and blend the mix.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together with a wooden spoon. Don’t overmix here—it’s tempting to get it super smooth, but you want to stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour to keep the cake light and tender.

Step 5: Add Cinnamon Topping & Bake

Mix together the caster sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter—this makes a slightly wet, crumbly topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter once it’s in the tin. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack; this is key so it finishes setting nicely.

Step 6: Drizzle with Glaze

Mix the icing sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons milk to get a smooth glaze. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. Drizzle this over the cooled cake to add that subtle sweetness and pretty finish.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple with this cake—just a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few thin apple slices fanned on top for a pretty effect. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level for a dessert occasion.

Side Dishes

This cake is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out a cozy afternoon tea, I usually serve it with a hot cup of chai or apple cider. A simple green salad with toasted pecans makes for a lovely contrast if you’re serving it after a light lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve layered slices of this Cinnamon Apple Cake with mascarpone and a drizzle of honey to make a quick trifle. I’ve also baked it in mini muffin tins to serve as cute individual treats at parties—everyone loved the bite-size versions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, I store leftover Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and delicious, but if your kitchen’s warm, refrigeration works fine—just bring slices back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! I slice it into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a treat, I thaw slices overnight in the fridge or gently warm them in the microwave for a quick dessert fix.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feel, I heat leftover cake slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a warm oven (around 150°C / 300°F) wrapped in foil. It revives the softness without drying the cake out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is one of those gems that brings a little sweetness and warmth to any day. I love sharing it with friends because it’s simple to whip up and everyone ends up asking for seconds. If you want a fuss-free cake that tastes like fall in every bite, give this recipe a go—I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.

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